Brussels - Warsaw: Europe and the Arabs
"Our common vision for Europe has been based on the same values, the same principles, the same strategic purpose: strengthening the unity of the Member States, the effectiveness of the European institutions, and the prosperity of European citizens," said EU Council President Antonio Costa at the official opening of Poland's rotating presidency of the EU.
"This has also been Poland's path since it joined the EU, twenty years ago. A real source of dynamism. A cornerstone of European defence. A fundamental pillar of the single market. And an innovative and prosperous economy.
Poland is certainly one of the greatest success stories of enlargement, and the best geostrategic investment Europe has made to secure freedom and democracy after long periods of authoritarianism. I have no doubt that the Polish presidency of the Council of the European Union will prove, once again, that patriotism and European integration are interconnected. And that rotating presidencies preserve the role of Member States as driving forces of the EU's strategic agenda.
There is no better time for Polish leadership in the EU," he added in the speech published on the website of the rotating presidency of the EU. Because the vitality of Polish democracy and its sense of national identity make the European Union stronger. Because Poland is a source of resilience at a time when authoritarianism and populism threaten our values.

The Polish people have been a source of inspiration and strength of resistance at a time when foreign interventions threaten our democratic integrity. Because Poland has been at the forefront of European defence capabilities, which we need to develop to protect our countries, our societies and our values.

In 2025, when we celebrate the 45th anniversary of Solidarity, we must remember that the European Union is above all a union of countries, peoples and values.

The motto of the Polish Presidency is: Security, Europe! Our Union was born as a peace project after World War II, and we need to strengthen our security once again to ensure peace in Europe.

That is why Ukraine must remain our top priority. This year we must continue to stand by Ukraine – as much as necessary, and as long as it takes, to win a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. “International law must prevail, for the sake of the freedom of the Ukrainian people and our common security. To this end, we must continue to see defence as a strategic priority for the European Union. By becoming stronger, more efficient, more resilient and, yes, more independent. By investing more and better together, with creativity and pragmatism to find new solutions. And always working for a strong transatlantic partnership and cooperation with NATO.

That is why I have called for an informal meeting of European leaders at the beginning of February, dedicated to the topic of defence. The Secretary General of NATO and, as I suggested, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom will join us for parts of this meeting.

I would like to thank Prime Minister Donald Tusk for the excellent cooperation in preparing this meeting.

We all know that defence is crucial for Europe’s present and future, but it is only one element of our security architecture.

As the Polish Presidency’s programme rightly emphasizes, we must address it in a more integrated way. To strengthen our resilience to natural disasters – such as the dramatic floods that Poland suffered last summer – and to the security of Our borders, addressing migration challenges, addressing hybrid threats and attacks, strengthening energy infrastructure and food security, and reducing our dependence on imported technologies and raw materials.

This is the way to achieve a comprehensive European strategic autonomy, making European democracies more resilient, cohesive and collectively strong to face the challenges of globalization. Because prosperity and security go hand in hand.

European economies will thrive if we ensure energy independence through a network of secure interconnections, diversity of sources, reliable partners and our own production. That is why we will lower energy prices for industry, businesses and households. And how we will keep our green transition alive.

The Clean Industrial Deal, which the European Commission will present this semester, will once again make clear that energy prices are a key element of the overall focus on European competitiveness. We must see real progress in this area.

This semester we will start discussing the next multiannual financial framework. More than ever, we need to find creative solutions to improve competitiveness and social and territorial convergence for a more vibrant single market. Clearly, the EU’s fiscal architecture and policies will have to evolve. This may mean exploring new opportunities.
Finding ways for other policies – such as defence, innovation, digital transformation and dual energy – to also contribute to cohesion and convergence between European regions.
For example, new investments in defence and security could turn this sector into a real economic engine, creating better and more skilled jobs, developing a more independent European industry, and supporting technology to achieve global competitiveness.
Ensuring a more innovative and ambitious EU financial framework after 2027 would provide a more robust toolkit to address geopolitical turmoil and global economic competition, and to strengthen social and regional cohesion within our Union.
“I believe we share the same strategic vision for the European Union,” he concluded. “A focus on the unity of the Member States; a dedication to the security and prosperity of European citizens; and an adherence to the European values ​​that history has taught us to protect above all else.